Gun Laws > Prohibited firearmsA registration certificate shall not be issued for a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, short-barreled rifle, or handgun not validly registered prior to September 24, 1976. Handguns cannot be purchased, except by law enforcement officers, retired District police officers, military personnel, licensed dealers, and organizations employing at least one commissioned special police officer or employee licensed to carry a firearm (where the handgun is used solely during the employee's duty hours).

DEFINITION: Legislation regarding restrictions on firearms that can be legally purchased.

Gun Laws > Prohibited personsA registration certificate for a legal firearm cannot be issued to a person who is under 18 years of age (those between the ages of 18 and 21 need anotarized statement from a parent or guardian); convicted of or under indictment for a crime of violence or weapons offense; convicted of an offense involving drugs, assaults, or threats; acquitted by reason of insanity; adjudicated a chronic alcoholic; committed to a mental hospital; suffering from a physical defect and unable to use a firearm safely; adjudicated negligent in a firearm mishap causing death or serious injury; or otherwise ineligible under District law Registration applicants are required to demonstrate adequate vision and pass a written test evidencing satisfactory knowledge of District firearm laws.